The Olympic Games are the ultimate sporting experience and the prestigious opportunity to be an Olympian starts with the Olympic qualifiers.
As hosts, Brazil were the first country to qualify for the Olympic Games. They have since been joined by the top two teams from the FIVB Volleyball World Cup Japan 2015 and the five winners of each Continental Olympic Qualification Tournament.
The pressure is now on for those teams here in Tokyo for the World Olympic Qualification Tournament. The best ranked Asian team plus the top three ranked teams will qualify for the Olympics. If an Asian team is ranked among the top three, then the next ranked team will be qualified.
We are guaranteed a highly intense and extremely competitive tournament in Japan as every nation will want the chance of a lifetime to compete in the greatest sporting event on the greatest stage.
This is the sixth time in succession that Japan has hosted this tournament and with this wealth of hosting experience, the FIVB can trust Japan will deliver a spectacular tournament worthy of the Olympic standard.
To the players I wish you the very best of luck as you set out on this exciting journey to be one of the 12 women’s teams who will entertain and inspire a generation at the Olympic Games in Rio.
Dr. Ary S. Graça F°
FIVB President